Heating liquids by introduction into molten metal



Feb. 24. 1925.

A. M D. DUCKHAM. ET AL HEATTNG LIQUIDS BY INTRODUCTION INTO MOLTEN METAL Filed June 21 1921. 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Li u/d Under Mas-sure It Feb.24.1.925.- -1,527,847- V A. M D.'DucKHAM ET AL I HEATING LIQUIDS BY IVNTRQDUVQTION INTQ MOLTEN METAL Filed June 21, 1921. 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 d :mnnnnnnn 3 e Liquid Under Preasure Patented F eb. 24, 1925.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ARTHUR MODO'UGALL DUCKHAM AND JOHN STANLEY MORGAN, OF LONDON, ENG- LAND, ASSIGNOBS TO THERMAL INDUSTRIAL AND CHEMICAL (T. I. C.) RESEARCH COMPANY LIMITED, OF LONDON, ENGLAND, A BRITISH COMPANY.

HEATING LIQUIDS BY INTRODUCTION INTO MOLTEN METAL.

Application filed June 21, 1921.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, Sir ARTHUR Mo- DOUGALL DUCKHAM, K. G. B., and JOHN STANLEY MORGAN, both subjects of the King of Great Britain, residing in London, England, have jointly invented certain new and useful Improvements in Heating Liquids by introduction into Molten Metal (for which we have filed applications in Great Britain dated May 26, 1920, Serial No. 1%,379, and December 8, 1920, Serial No. 34,732), of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to the heat treatment ot' liquids by introducing them as such beneath the surface of molten metal, as for instance in distilling them, and is particularly applicable to the distillation of tar, oils and the like, by forcing the liquid through a bath oi molten metal.

One of the difficulties in this mode of treating liquids consists in the tendency for the orifices through which the liquid is forced into the molten metal to become closed by the cooling of the metal around the orifice. Another is that the liquid passes through the metal in a small stream and is not evenly divided throughout the mass, and that in order that the liquid may be immersed in the molten metal 'for the requisite period, the liquid has to be forced through the metal from such a depth that the pressure required becomes very great and an unwieldy depth of molten metal has to be maintained in the bath.

The present invention avoids these difiiculties to a great extent by delivering the liquid beneath the surface of the bath from a duct of long narrow horizontal cross section, it being preferable to employ what may be called a hood or wide-mouth pipe having fine, substantially vertical slots, serrations or other openings which ensure that the liquid will pass through the molten metal in a thin stream; or streams along the lower edge of the hood or pipe.

According to the invention the hood or the 7 wide mouth of the tube is so constructed that the stream of liquid flowing throu h ithas little thickness in comparison wit its Serial No. 479,323.

breadth in order that the rate of flow may be sufficiently rapid to ensure that the liquid does not become heated to a temperature at which it froths or vaporizes within the hood or pipe, such frothing being apt to check the flow. For obtaining the requisite breadth in comparison with thickness, without unduly increasing the dimensions of the bath, it is convenient to make the hood or mouth an annular passage, for instance by inserting in the hood or mouth a filling of suitable form and of dimensions smaller than the internal dimensions'of the hood.

The low edge of the hood or wide mouth is slotted vertically since entry of the liquid through slots prevents freezing up owing to local cooling and gives an even distribution of the liquid under treatment over a long surface.

A further advantage of the slots is that, should the metal become frozen about any individual slot or slots, the flow is decreased or stopped about such point or points; consequently the metal absorbs heat, again becomes molten and the flow automatically begins again.

In order that the liquid may be immersed in the molten bath for the requisite period a plate or plates, flat or corrugated as desired, may be attached to the side of the hood in which the slots occur, immediately above the top of such slots. This plate or series of plates extends from the hood along the still at a flat angle to the level of the molten metal and is immersed for the whole or the greater part of its length. The liquid emerges from the hood in fine stream and travels along the under side of the plate or plates; the length of time of immersion being governed by the length of the plate or plates.

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention.

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal section, and

Fig. 2 a cross section through a tar still operating in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 3 is a cross section, and i Fig. 4 a longitudinal section through a still having an inclined plate for prolonging the passage of the liquid.

a constituting the still contains lead or other suitable metal or metal alloy, the level of which is indicated at I), kept molten by a suitable furnace from which hot gases pass through tire tubes 0, as indicated in Fig. 3. The hood 9 fits over a hollow block Z fixed to the bottom of the still, the correct position being ensured by distance pieces m on the inner surface of the hood, thus forming an annular space within the hood. The liquid to be treated is supplied through the pipe n which passes through a liquid seal 0 to permit of adjustment of the distance between the top of the hood and thetop of the block by means of nuts 7). The hood is slotted at its lower edge. Vapour escapes through the neck 5 and residue through the opening is.

Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, beneath the surface of the lead a steel plate (2 is supported on angle irons e at a slight angle to the surface of the lead, as indicated in Fig. 4. At its higher end this plate does not extend to the end of the still, so that circulation of molten lead can occur here. At the lower end of the plate provision is made for circulation of molten lead by tubes f open ateach end and welded into corresponding openings in the plate. On its under surface the plate may have a number of grooves slots through the molten lead until it is space within the hood. The liquid to be treated is sup lied through the pipe 72. which passes throng the wall of the vessel a to the hood 9. The hood is slotted at its lower edge as already described. Vapour escapes through the neck 21 and residue through the opening k. I

Having thus described the nature of the said invention and the best means ,we know of carrying the same'into practical effect, we claim A 1. Apparatus for the heat treatment of liquids by introducing them as such beneath the surface of molten metal, comprising a container for molten metal, a duct of long narrow horizontal cross-section opening beneath the normal level of the molten metal, and a pipe connected with the said duct Without contacting with the molten metal, through which pipe liquid may be discharged under pressure to keep the duct full of liquid.

2. Apparatus for the heat treatment of liquids by introducing them as such beneath the surface of molten metal, comprising a. container for molten metal, and a duct of long, narrow, annular horizontal cross-section opening beneath the normal level of the molten metal, and a pipe connected with the said duct without contacting with the molten metal, through which pipe liquid may be discharged under pressure to keep the duct full of liquid.

3. Apparatus for the heat treatment of liquids by introducing them as such beneath the surface of molten metal, comprising a container for molten metal, a pipe extending into the upper .part of said container, and a duct of long, narrow, horizontal cross-section forming an extension of the said pipe and extending beneath the normal level of the molten metal through which pipe liquid may be discharged under pressure to keep the duct full of liquid.

4. Apparatus for the heat treatment of liquids by introducing them as such beneath the surface of molten metal, comprising a container for molten metal, a pipe extending into the upper part of said container, and a duct of long, narrow, annular horizontal cross-section forming an extension of the said pipe and extending below the normal level of the molten metal through which pipe and duct liquid may be d scharged i ndeg pressure to keep the duct full of 5. Apparatus for the heat treatment of liquidsby introducing them as such beneath the surface of molten metal, comprising a container for molten metal, a pipe extending into the upper part of said container, a. duct of long, narrow, horizontal cross-section forming an extension of the said pipe and having serrations at its lower edge and ex tending below the normal level of the molten metal, through which pipe and duct liquid may be discharged under pressure to keep the duct full of liquid.

6. Apparatus for the heat treatment of liquids by introducing them as such beneath thesur face of molten metal, comprising a container for the molten metal, a plate arranged below the normal level of the molten metal and inclined to said level, a duct of long narrow horizontal cross-section openin befeath the lower end of said plate an through which liquid may be delivered under pressure.

7. Apparatus for the heat treatment of liquids by introducing them as such beneath the surface of molten metal, comprising a container for molten metal, a plate arranged below the normal level of the molten metal and inclined to said level, a duct of long narrow horizontal cross-section opening beneath the lower end of said plate and having serrations at itslower edge and through which liquid may be discharged under pressure.

In testimony whereof we have signed our names to this specification. ARTHUR MoDOUGALL DUCKHAM; JOHN STANLEY MORGAN. 

